A COVID-19 test is administered by the Alexandria Health Department during the free community testing event May 25 at the Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology. Photo by Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet
The Alexandria Health Department collected more than 3,000 samples from local residents during two free COVID-19 community testing events held May 25 in areas hardest hit by the coronavirus.
Drive-through and walk-up participants were provided free tests at sites in Arlandria and the West End. Results will be provided to the individuals once they are available and those who test positive for COVID-19 will receive specific guidance from Alexandria Health Department.
“If anyone fears taking tests, the Health Department officials did a wonderful job erasing angst among those who arrived,” said attorney Drew Carroll, who was tested at the Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology. “There were many kind and understanding volunteers and staff. It was so easy, you did not even have to show an ID. You provided contact information for the test results and were led to the staff person who performed the test by a simple nasal swab.”
Case and test counts will be added to Alexandria’s overall data on the Virginia Department of Health Daily Dashboard as they are reported. A separate summary detailing the May 25 community testing is expected to be available next week.
“Everything has gone extremely smoothly this morning,” said Sarah Taylor, the public information officer at the Cora Kelly testing site. “It’s been busy, but we have heard nothing but positive compliments about the way it's running. We are so lucky to have volunteers and staff here to make that happen. I’m glad that word got out and people are taking advantage of this opportunity without it being too much of a burden on them.”
As of May 26, Alexandria has reported 1,785 cases of the coronavirus, 175 hospitalizations and 41 deaths.